What we love…

easy to use interactive fast paced app that encourages you to remember your times tables and builds upon your knowledge

What we’d love to see…

stronger parental gate, more protection of IAP and external links

Summary

Overall, I really liked the way that this app taught the multiplication tables which is different than most of the apps in the app store. Using a scaffolded or built upon learning style helps kids be successful and build upon previous learning such as skip counting.

Our Rating

Times table Galaxy by Top Storey Apps Limited is a fun fast paced app designed to help you remember your multiplication facts. You enter the galaxy and can can choose from 2x to 12x times tables. For each round of times tables that you work on, you are given a time limit, once you hit that time limit you are out of fuel and have to try again or begin the level again. The app is free, but does include an in app purchase for unlimited play of $2.99. This app is aimed at late elementary to early middle school aged children and includes graphics that switch each time you successfully complete a times table. It uses scaffolded learning which means that each problem builds upon the previous one. It uses both skip level counting as well as memory and recall to complete the various times tables.

Fun interactive app that encourages you to know your times tables. I loved the fast pace and the fact that it encouraged me as an adult to remember my times tables in a fun interactive way. I also liked how the app built upon itself with skills and as you were faster and completed more times tables the content got harder to complete. I do suggest for younger kids who may feel “pressure” to turn off the timer, this can be done but hitting the down arrow. That helps take the pressure off of the math and enhances the learning in a reduced pressure environment. It does use Game Center integration which for older kids can help encourage the competitive spirit on recall and reflexes. There is no advertising contained within the app, although it does contain an in-app purchase for the full version.

Among my favorite features:

Facts presented in order (scaffolded) to reinforce skip counting which helps improve overall counting especially for children still learning their times tables

Fun interactive game that encourages children to complete the task in a way that builds accuracy

Ability to turn on and off the timer depending on the child and if they felt pressured by it

I did find at times that my son was simply adding the x number to the problem which slowed him down, but I admired that he was creative enough to realize that he could do that and “game” the system to completion

The app needs a stronger parental gate in the free version, currently you can tap through and purchase the “unlimited lives” with no math problems or gate, however, since the app is geared at older kids a more complex gate would be required. Right now it’s a tap and hold, given the audience they can easily decipher the instructions and go to the app store. You can purchase Times Table Galaxy for Schools “full version” which does not include in-app purchases. To access this area, you tap the settings button which prompts you to unlock unlimited plays. I would like to see a way to turn off the Game Center integration as well.

Overall, I really liked the way that this app taught the multiplication tables which is different than most of the apps in the app store. Using a scaffolded or built upon learning style helps kids be successful and build upon previous learning such as skip counting. The app does meet common core learning standards and will be good to help reinforce learning or help students move from skip counting to memorization and completing the task more quickly.

Alison, the American iMum is from Massachusetts. She lives there with her two sons and husband. In their spare time, they enjoy playing outside, enjoying nature and of course testing apps and fantastic products on their devices. My older son loves technology and loves testing out the “latest and newest” apps and tech. I love sharing information about apps and products with others to help them make decisions without feeling overwhelmed with all of the choices.

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Meet the iMums

The iMums - Amanda, Alison, Mary and Grace - are four mothers from different parts of the world dedicated to informing parents about the best digital stories, educational apps, fun games and technology products available for their children. We also offer the latest news in apps for kids, interesting articles, developer interviews, free apps and regular giveaways! Read more.

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